The COVID-19 vaccine will now be available at private hospitals for a specific price along with the free doses being given at government hospitals, the Centre said on Wednesday, 24 February.
The central government has roped in 20,000 private hospitals for the next round of COVID-19 vaccination programme. Those who opt to get vaccination in the private clinics will have to pay for their doses, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said.
“While the vaccine will be given for free at government centres, it will be available for a charge, to be decided later, at many private hospitals,” said Javadekar.
So far, the private hospitals have only acted as vaccination centres while the government provided the vaccines that were being administered.
How Much Will the Vaccines at Private Hospitals Cost?
The price that will be charged for the vaccine will be decided by the government over the next few days after discussions with manufacturers and hospitals.
Quoting sources, ThePrint reported that private hospitals could charge people Rs 400 per shot for the vaccine, which would translate to an overall charge of Rs 800 for two doses.
The cost includes Rs 100 charge to pay nurses’ fees and account for miscellaneous expenses.
Who Gets Vaccinated in the Second Phase?
Those who are above 60 years age will receive the coronavirus vaccine from 1 March, the government had earlier announced.
People above 45 years of age with comorbidities will also be eligible for the vaccination during the next phase.
This is the first time the private sector will be actively involved in administering vaccines, and doses will be available to eligible people who are willing to pay.
(With inputs from The Print.)
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